Rear Sling Fitting for a Rifle

ABSTRACT

The invention is a new rear sling fitting for a rifle. The new sling fitting features two different types of mounting apertures for different types of slings. In the preferred embodiment, two pairs of two different types of apertures are provided. The fitting&#39;s central mounting aperture, for mounting the fitting between the stock and receiver of a rifle, is modified dependant upon the type of buffer tube or mounting apparatus is provided for the rifle&#39;s stock.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sling carriers for weapons and more particularly relates to a rear sling fitting for a long gun, such as a rifle, whereby a user may use different sling types with the same weapon without changing the fitting.

Slings are a common accessory used with rifles and other long guns, as well as other types of weapons. However, in all cases, a sling must either attach to an existing part of the weapon or the weapon must be adapted to accommodate the sling. Many devices, fittings and systems have been developed in order to attach slings to weapons. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,258 to Verdugo, et al. (2002); U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,748 to Lindsey (2001); U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,239 to Marable (1998); U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,491 to Biemont (1998); U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,654 to Bell (1997); U.S. Pat. No. 5,3305,540 to Blenk (1994); U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,996 to Llames (1991); U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,069 to Shire (1991); U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,905 to Dupuy (1987); U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,012 to Johnson (1985) and U.S. Pat. No. 149,141 to Metcalfe (1874) are all examples of the prior art.

Currently, there are two popular types of slings, each with a distinct means of attachment. The first is a point sling, where the sling interfaces with the weapon with a pin, hook, clip, or other similar device at a provided, or added, point hole. The second sling is threaded through a slot, likewise provided or added to the weapon. None of the prior art sling attachment means disclose a means for adapting a weapon to receive both types of these of slings simultaneously. The present invention is a sling fitting that is easily installed on a rifle and provides attachment means for both sling types.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sling fittings, this invention provides an improved sling fitting. As such, the present invention's general purpose is to provide a new and improved sling fitting that will allow for easy installation and for the attachment of either of the two popular sling types on the market today.

To provide these advantages over the prior art, the fitting is essentially a fitting body with appropriately placed holes for mounting the fitting on the weapon and also for mounting the sling on the fitting. Care is to be made in the positioning of the holes, and likewise the overall shape of the fitting so as to avoid interference with the operation of the weapon. More complex embodiments include a projection and a recess for further interface with the weapon's receiver and stock, so as to prevent rotation of the fitting. Embodiments are also made for adjustable and fixed length stocks.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention, detailing the front of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention, detailing the back of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the invention in an embodiment used with fixed length stocks.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a rifle stock, in partial section, detailing installation of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the rear sling fitting is now described. Specifically referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fitting 10 is a planar body with precisely positioned and sized apertures 12, 14, 16 for interfacing with a weapon's buffer tube or equivalent, and with either a threaded sling or a point sling. Main aperture 12 is sized to allow the fitting to be slid over the buffer tube of a weapon, between the stock and receiver, as shown in FIG. 5. Beneath aperture 12 is fitting body 13. Fitting body 13 is shaped so as to silhouette the rifle's receiver and stock. Extending from fitting body 13 is projection 18, which is designed to interface with the receiver 50, shown in FIG. 5. Slot apertures 14 are positioned on the edge of fitting body 13, with sufficient placement to avoid blockage by either receiver 50 or stock 52. Point sling apertures 16 are positioned on the outer edge of slot apertures 14. Placement of point sling apertures should be above the lower edge of fitting body 13, thereby above the lower edge of the stock 52 so as to provide clearance for a user's thumb when the user is operating the weapon. Likewise, they should be positioned low enough so as to not interfere with the user when cocking the weapon. Ideally, the proper position allows the center of the point sling aperture 16 to form a right triangle with the center of the main aperture 12 and the center of projection 18, with the center of the projection 18 being the location the right angle. Being so positioned, the point sling apertures 16 can remain above the lower edge of the stock 52. Positioning the point sling aperture lower than the lower edge of the stock 52 can block the user's thumb during actuation of the weapon's selector switch and can further interfere with handling the weapon.

With the preferred embodiment, recess 19, shown in FIG. 2, is positioned on the reverse of the sling fitting 10, opposite the projection.18. Though unnecessary for operation of the invention, the depression provides further interface between the fitting 10 and the stock 52. The fitting is also adaptable for the differences between current fixed stock and current adjustable stocks. FIG. 3 depicts the sling fitting configured for an adjustable stock. Nub 11 projects into the aperture 12 along a radius drawn from the center of the projection 18 and the center of the main aperture 12. Nub 11 further interfaces with a groove located on the underside of a buffer tube for an adjustable stock, thereby increasing registration with the stock and buffer tube. Such grooves tend to be absent from buffer tubes for fixed length stocks, therefore the nub 11 is absent in the embodiment for fixed stocks depicted in FIG. 4.

Assembly of the weapon with the present invention is depicted in FIG. 5. Rifle receiver 50 has a rear surface 51 with a depression 58. Beyond depression 58 is a bore for supporting spring 57 and pin 56. Spring 57 normally biases pin 56 against stock 59 thereby also biasing stock 59 rearward. Extending rearward of receiver 50 is buffer tube 52, with a bore 53 at its terminal end. Upper butt plate screw 61 attaches butt plate 60 to stock 59 and further stock 59 and spacer 55 to bore 53, with stock 59 having an otherwise sliding engagement over buffer tube 52. Lower butt plate screw 62 merely attaches butt plate 60 to stock 59.

The addition of fitting 10 displaces stock 59 towards the rear, relative the buffer tube, in a manner that must be accommodated. To do so, additional spacer 54 and a longer upper butt plate screw 61 are provided, as original upper butt screw will undoubtedly not reach bore 53. As can be seen, projection 18 interfaces with pin 56 and spring 57 assembly and depression 19 interfaces with stock 59 as a surrogate for depression 58.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. 

1. A rear sling fitting for a firearm comprising a fitting body, with obverse and reverse planar sides, having a. a main aperture, having a center within an interior; b. a projection, likewise having a center, radially displaced from said main aperture and defining the obverse of the sling fitting, the centers of the main aperture and the projection defining a radius; c. at least two connection apertures for attachment of a sling system to the weapon, the connection apertures are being of at least two different shapes so as to accommodate different types of slings wherein the main aperture is for mounting the fitting upon and the projection is for communicating registration with the firearm.
 2. The sling fitting of claim 1, further comprising a depression, opposite the projection on the reverse of the sling fitting.
 3. The sling fitting of claim 2, further comprising a nub, within the interior of the main aperture along the radius.
 4. The sling fitting of claim 3, the connection apertures being on a same side of the radius.
 5. The sling fitting of claim 3, the connection apertures being organized into at least two pairs with each member of each pair being on opposite sides of the radius.
 6. The sling fitting of claim 5, the members of each pairs” apertures being identically selected from the group of aperture types consisting of: apertures for point slings, apertures for threaded slings, wherein a point sling aperture defines a center and at least one pair of each type being selected.
 7. The sling fitting of claim 6, wherein any threaded sling connection apertures are positioned between the main aperture and any point sling apertures, which are radially spaced from the main aperture.
 8. The sling fitting of claim 7, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 9. The sling fitting of claim 8, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms a right angle with the radius.
 10. The sling fitting of claim 4, apertures being selected from the group of aperture types consisting of: apertures for point slings, apertures for threaded slings, wherein a point sling aperture defines a center and at least one of each type being selected.
 11. The sling fitting of claim 10, wherein any threaded sling connection apertures are positioned between the main aperture and any point sling apertures, which are radially spaced from the main aperture.
 12. The sling fitting of claim 11, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of at least one point sling aperture forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 13. The sling fitting of claim 12, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms a right angle with the radius.
 14. The sling fitting of claim 3, wherein at least one aperture is a threaded sling aperture and at least one other is a point sling aperture radially spaced from the main aperture and defining a center.
 15. The sling fitting of claim 14, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to the center of at least one point sling aperture forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 16. The sling fitting of claim 15, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of at least one pair of point sling aperture forms a right angle with the radius.
 17. The sling fitting of claim 2, the connection apertures being on a same side of the radius.
 18. The sling fitting of claim 2, the connection apertures being organized into at least two pairs with each member of each pair being on opposite sides of the radius.
 19. The sling fitting of claim 18, the members of each pairs” apertures being identically selected from the group of aperture types consisting of: apertures for point slings, apertures for threaded slings, wherein a point sling aperture defines a center and at least one pair of each type being selected.
 20. The sling fitting of claim 19, wherein any threaded sling connection apertures are positioned between the main aperture and any point sling apertures, which are radially spaced from the main aperture.
 21. The sling fitting of claim 20, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 22. The sling fitting of claim 21, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms a right angle with the radius.
 23. The sling fitting of claim 17, apertures being selected from the group of aperture types consisting of: apertures for point slings, apertures for threaded slings, wherein a point sling aperture defines a center and at least one of each type being selected.
 24. The sling fitting of claim 23, wherein any threaded sling connection apertures are positioned between the main aperture and any point sling apertures, which are radially spaced from the main aperture.
 25. The sling fitting of claim 24, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of at least one point sling aperture forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 26. The sling fitting of claim 25, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms a right angle with the radius.
 27. The sling fitting of claim 2, wherein at least one aperture is a threaded sling aperture and at least one other is a point sling aperture radially spaced from the main aperture and defining a center.
 28. The sling fitting of claim 27, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to the center of at least one point sling aperture forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 29. The sling fitting of claim 28, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of at least one pair of point sling aperture forms a right angle with the radius.
 30. The sling fitting of claim 1, the connection apertures being on a same side of the radius.
 31. The sling fitting of claim 1, the connection apertures being organized into at least two pairs with each member of each pair being on opposite sides of the radius.
 32. The sling fitting of claim 31, the members of each pairs” apertures being identically selected from the group of aperture types consisting of: apertures for point slings, apertures for threaded slings, wherein a point sling aperture defines a center and at least one pair of each type being selected.
 33. The sling fitting of claim 32, wherein any threaded sling connection apertures are positioned between the main aperture and any point sling apertures, which are radially spaced from the main aperture.
 34. The sling fitting of claim 33, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 35. The sling fitting of claim 34, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms a right angle with the radius.
 36. The sling fitting of claim 30, apertures being selected from the group of aperture types consisting of: apertures for point slings, apertures for threaded slings, wherein a point sling aperture defines a center and at least one of each type being selected.
 37. The sling fitting of claim 36, wherein any threaded sling connection apertures are positioned between the main aperture and any point sling apertures, which are radially spaced from the main aperture.
 38. The sling fitting of claim 37, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of at least one point sling aperture forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 39. The sling fitting of claim 38, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of each member of at least one pair of point sling apertures forms a right angle with the radius.
 40. The sling fitting of claim 1, wherein at least one aperture is a threaded sling aperture and at least one other is a point sling aperture radially spaced from the main aperture and defining a center.
 41. The sling fitting of claim 40, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to the center of at least one point sling aperture forms an angle between 70° and 110° with the radius.
 42. The sling fitting of claim 41, wherein a line drawn from the center of the projection to a center of at least one pair of point sling aperture forms a right angle with the radius. 